Strong ties with the US important

"I'm looking forward to this. I'm quite well familiar with the United States and lived there as a student for many years, including two years in Washington. This is a very exciting assignment. It's vital to maintain a strong representation in the United States as they are our most important ally," says Geir H. Haarde, former Prime Minister of Iceland, who will become the country's next ambassador to the United States in the beginning of next year.

Haarde says the tasks of the Icelandic embassy in Washington are naturally diverse. „They have to do with political relations and defence, trade, education, culture and various other things." The policy of the present government of Iceland, formed by the conservative Independence Party and the centrist Progressive Party, includes strengthening the ties with the United States. Haarde says he agrees that task is very important.

Haarde was educated in the United States and holds e.g. a master's degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a master's degree in economics from the University of Minnesota. "Since I was studying in the United States a long time ago I have stayed in touch with many people in the public administration, the universities and the business sector and such relations can be useful in this line of work. This will be an interesting assignment. We look forward to this, me and my wife. We will do this together."

See also: Former PM becomes ambassador